Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

Blackbird Foods is utilizing its foundation in foodservice and a self-manufacturing production model to build a frozen vegan food brand that aims to “displace conventional animal products.”

After announcing the closing of its $40 million Fund II yesterday, venture capital firm Springdale Ventures is looking to “double down” on its early stage CPG investment strategy in the new year.

As concerns about inflation and rising prices continue, Coefficient Capital and The New Consumer have released a 2023 Consumer Trends report.

Founded in 2019, Springdale is a consumer products-focused firm whose portfolio includes over 40 brands, including food and beverage companies such as Better Booch, KOS, Mr. Beast’s Feastables, BEATBOX, and better-for-you snack brand GOODLES.

After nearly three decades on the market, Mary’s Gone Crackers’ spot in the organic, gluten-free cracker set has yet to go stale. In fact, after only five months into his role as CEO, Michael Finete told NOSH in an interview that the company is working on building new internal processes to keep fresh ideas and innovations flowing.

Dive into NOSH’s Weekly Briefing with all the top news from last week including Chobani snapping up La Colombe for $900 million, the question of open-source research in lab grown coffee and the Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese release.

Whole Foods Market has modified the definition of its Forager, Local and Global brand designations, bringing increased clarity between the former two emerging brand-focused programs.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Smallhold hits independent store shelves with its Mushroom Pesto, Sleep Walk Chocolateria teams up with restauranter Rick Bayless and EQUII grows its portfolio of protein-boosted breads.

Chobani has paid $900 million to acquire coffee roaster and retailer La Colombe, the company announced today, a move that sees Keurig Dr Pepper, a minority investor in La Colombe, become an equity stakeholder in the yogurt and dairy company.

Foodservice and retail specialty food distributor Baldor has announced several new hires and structural changes intended to enhance customer service and meet future goals.

Meati has added two more world-class athletes to its investor group, announcing this morning former Olympian Aly Raisman and NBA All-Star Chris Paul as the latest names to get behind the mycelium-based food startup.

As it looks to expand its team to match its fast-growing footprint, discount grocery ecommerce platform Martie has raised $7 million in a new funding round led by Upfront Ventures, the company announced this week.

The Spare Food Co. is targeting a new revenue channel with the launch of its first-ever foodservice ingredient, Spare Starter, made from six upcycled vegetables and used as an ingredient and flavor additive for various dishes.

Speaking at NOSH Live 2023, Elizabeth Brown, an investor at Vanterra Ventures, Patrick Schwarzenegger, a CPG investor and co-founder and CEO of MOSH, and Mel Li, investor at Offline Ventures discussed how they assess potential investment opportunities and the people behind those businesses.